Monday, 10 July 2017

Frog Orchids at Sanna

The tide was falling when we arrived at Sanna yesterday morning, exposing miles of sand which we shared with just one other person.

The beginning of July is when the Sanna frog orchids begin to appear, and we found the first few in the machair behind the southernmost of the beaches, Port na Tuine - one is visible in the foreground of this picture.

Because frog orchids are neither spectacular nor colourful, they're quite difficult to find, but the healthy Sanna population is important as the species has declined over the years.

Following the Raptor's post yesterday we were pleased to find a red-throated diver in one of the Sanna bays, though it was difficult to photograph as it kept its distance.

Three dunlin foraging along the beach above the high-tide mark were much more friendly, allowing a very close approach, but....

....even they drew the line when we came within ten metres, though they only flew a short distance.

We spent over two hours wandering the beaches before crossing the Sanna burn to walk out to the lone bay close to Sanna Point. For July, the place seemed empty, particularly when this beach has recently been singled out as one of Britain's best.

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About Kilchoan

Kilchoan is a remote Scottish crofting village at the westernmost end of the Ardnamurchan peninsula, a two-hour drive to the west of Fort William. Its white houses are strung like pearls around a wide bay, looking out across the Sound of Mull to Tobermory. The year-round population of the village itself is just over a hundred, but this diary writes about all the villages of western Ardnamurchan, including Portuairk, Sanna, Achosnich, Achnaha and Kilmory.

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Copyright: All photos were taken by Jon Haylett unless otherwise acknowledged. Individuals are free to copy and use all Jon's photos and words under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike Licence v3.0, terms here. If you use any of the pictures please give an attribution and a link to the Kilchoan Diary. Media should check with Jon on kilchoandiary@btinternet.com

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The author of A Kilchoan Diary is Jon Haylett. To read more about him, click here, and to see some of his most popular photographs, click here.

Otters Holt Holiday Cottage, Kilchoan

Situated in the village of Kilchoan and on a hilltop facing south with panoramic views over the Sound of Mull, this comfortable and spacious accommodation sleeps up to six. Set in an acre and a half of ground, wildlife sightings, including pine martens, are common. Click on the picture for full details.

Croft Apartment, Kilchoan

Peaceful and spacious upstairs apartment in traditional croft house in Kilchoan, with stunning views across Kilchoan Bay to Mull. Within easy walking distance of the Tobermory ferry and Kilchoan shop. Self-contained, with own garden, central heating, linen, electricity included. Sleeps 2/3. To book, click on the picture.